While I've basically abandoned all hope for Brandt Snedeker—who appears to be in a funk right now—Justin Rose was one of the players I tabbed to perform well at the 2013 U.S. Open, primarily because of his style of play.

Coming into Merion, Rose ranked 17th on the PGA Tour in driving accuracy, per PGATour.com. His putting is still an item of concern, but he's played well enough this year (four top-10 finishes) to overcome his weakness at Merion.

I don't expect Rose to be in contention for the championship on Day 4, but I do expect the 32-year-old to play much better on Friday.

Graeme McDowell (+3)

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Graeme McDowell's clunker on Thursday surprised just about everyone.

First of all, the 33-year-old ranked first on tour in driving accuracy headed into Merion, as well as 13th in putting (strokes gained), via PGATour.com.

Also, he won the 2010 U.S. Open and placed second at The Olympic Club in San Francisco last year.

But McDowell posted a three-over par through 12 holes on Thursday, registering a bogey and two double bogeys along the way. What's more, he still has to face the brutal stretch from holes 14 through 18 to conclude his first round on Friday.

Still, McDowell's game fits Merion too well compared to the rest of the field and he's played relatively well this year. I'm not losing hope for the 2010 champion yet.

Steve Stricker (+1)

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Who has the best chance of bouncing back on Day 2?

Who has the best chance of bouncing back on Day 2?

Graeme McDowell

27.3%

Steve Stricker

63.6%

Justin Rose

9.1%

Total votes: 11

Steve Stricker is another one of those golfers who has a game that fits Merion. He ranks 13th in both driving accuracy and putting this year, per PGATour.com. He placed 15th at the U.S. Open last year.

In that regard, his one-over-par 71 on Thursday was a bit surprising. He posted three bogeys and one double bogey on the day.

The good news? Stricker did have four birdies on Thursday, which saved him from a disastrous score. That included a birdie on his second-to-last hole of the day.